The Sunday News
Joel Tsvakwi, Sunday Life Reporter
@joeltsvakwi
THERE is a new crop of preachers who have taken preaching to the street in what it is named Street Ministry, a development which has raised mixed reactions from Bulawayo residents.
Proponents of the ministry justify their cause while some sections of the populace are sceptic, describing them as “fraudsters, mad, attention seekers and noise makers”.
Experts define street preaching as spreading the Word of God in a public arena so as to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who would never set foot in a church. Those who engage in preaching on the streets are called street preachers or open-air preachers.
Typically, as can be derived from the title, these preachers convey their orations on public streets and sidewalks, in public parks, or other areas that are open to the general public.
Sunday Life caught up with some preachers who ply their calling at the Bulawayo City Hall commuter terminus. These preachers have devised methods of preaching as they have an orderly manner of taking turns — one hour each — to the diverse and usually restless members of the public.
Pastor Freddy Nkwanzi of the Christ International Network, a preacher by calling, qualified civil engineer and alumni of Bulawayo Polytechnic College who also revealed that he has not been to bible school justified street preaching.
“This concept started in Harare’s First Street and we have taken it over here. Yes, people think that we are demon possessed but our aim is to plant the seed of Jesus into idle people, those who are resting and those who have no chance to go to churches,” he quipped.
Another youthful peacher, Pastor Hope Ngwenya from the same ministry who took turns to preach on the same venue reiterated that they were simply bringing the church to the people.
“Jesus said go to the people, and where are the people? If people do not come to church, we will bring the church to them. We have seasoned men of God who encourage us.
“In the past they did the same, preaching under tower lights and other public places and so this is not new. It’s just the work of God,” he said.
Pastor Israel Mujimba of the Christ Life International Network, which is in Binga concurred with his fellow pastors.
“Street preaching is one of the best work being done by those who are deep into revelation of ministering the Word of God especially to those who have no time to go to church. What it means is saving souls hence experiencing the real life of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Ishewakatipa Shumba who is a staunch follower of the street pastors likened them to early Jesus Christ disciples who were fishermen.
“People should embrace street preachers, if you check closely some of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen and the idea was that they were patient and brave enough to go where they can find the fish. So these people should not be construed as mad,” he said.
